I’ve lived in the same house for over ten years now. There’s a nice open space on the other side of the wall from the cul-de-sac we live on. I’ve jogged around that flood plain countless times. And I’ve also gone for many leisurely strolls. When I take Shadow on a walk he is nearly beside himself with joy. Dogs live in the present and he’s just happy to be alive. It doesn’t matter how many times we’ve journeyed the mile around the flood plain; it’s always great to him. He sniffs everything. He gets excited when he sees other people and their dogs. He’s “doggone grateful” to be out of the backyard and walking with me.

There Has to Be A Lesson

There is a purpose to life. There is a holy reality. Love and service of others is a fine code to live by. Receiving blessings is a sacramental experience. Gratitude is a gift from God. But, it is a choice – we can choose to be grateful or not. If I am not grateful for the many blessings I’ve received in life then I cannot fully appreciate those blessings yet to come. I might not even recognize them as blessings.

This Thanksgiving I’m going to take a cue from my dog. I’m going to wake up eager to face the day. I’m going to be present to this incredible gift we call life. God’s going to open the sliding door to my soul and take me for a walk and it is going to be awesome!